Resources

Past Presentation

Foundations of Adolescent Health in Indian Country: An Introduction to the Adolescent Health ECHO & Preventive Care | February 11, 2026

Date of Presentation: February 11, 2026

Type: Past Presentation  

Audience: Clinical  

Program: Adolescent Health  

Keywords: #adolescent  #pediatrics  #preventive care  #trauma informed  

In this presentation, Drs. Angelino and Spatafore describe the structure, goals, and scope of the Adolescent Health ECHO, including priority topic areas, learning formats, and available clinical, educational, and community-informed resources. Then, they identify core principles of adolescent-centered care in Indian Country, including confidentiality, strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches, developmental context, and culturally responsive engagement with adolescents and families. Finally, they review how to apply evidence-based preventive care strategies for Indigenous adolescents, including screening and anticipatory guidance. 

Recording:

Presented by:

Alessandra Angelino, MD, MPH, FAAP
Alessandra Angelino, MD, MPH, FAAP
Faculty, Lead Faculty

Dr. Alessandra Angelino (she/her) is a board-certified pediatrician with fellowship training in adolescent medicine. She serves as Medical Director for the Adolescent Health ECHO, where she supports clinician education and capacity-building to improve adolescent and pediatric care across diverse settings. 

She earned her degree in International Health from Georgetown University, her MD from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and an MPH in Global Health from the University of Washington. Dr. Angelino completed her pediatrics residency at the University of North Carolina and an Adolescent Medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. She currently works with the Indian Health Service as a physician contractor and is a lead clinical consultant with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. 

Dr. Angelino’s clinical and research interests focus on adolescent mental health, cultural connection, affirming care, and care for youth with chronic and complex conditions, including Long COVID, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and orthostatic intolerance (including POTS). She is engaged in community-based participatory research and national advocacy to improve access, visibility, and outcomes for Indigenous adolescents and young adults.

Leah Spatafore, MD
Leah Spatafore, MD
Faculty, Lead Faculty

Dr. Leah Spatafore (she/they) is a board-certified Pediatrician and Faculty Mentor for the Adolescent Health ECHO, where she supports practical, evidence-informed approaches to strengthening adolescent clinical care across Indian Health Service, Tribal 638, and Urban Indian Health Programs (I/T/U).

Leah earned their medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport and completed pediatric residency training through the Johns Hopkins Harriet Lane Pediatric Residency Program. Dr. Spatafore currently serves as a Pediatrician with the Indian Health Service in Shiprock, New Mexico, providing care in school-based health settings and outpatient general pediatrics.

Leah is also a Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellow and is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a focus in Adolescent Health.

Their clinical and public health interests include community engagement and partnerships, adolescent and young adult empowerment, adolescent mental health, and expanding access to sexual health education and contraception.

Resources Provided:

Date added: January 26, 2026